Brixadi vs. Suboxone: A Comparison to Help You Choose the Right Medication

With so many personalized options available to treat opioid use disorder, which medication, Brixadi vs. Suboxone, holds the crown as the best one? Brixadi, a newer Buprenorphine formulation, is a monthly or weekly injection that helps you control cravings and reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms for up to a month.¹. Whereas Suboxone is a tablet form of Buprenorphine, taken orally as a daily dose to curb opioid cravings.²  Read on to find the differences and similarities between Brixadi Vs Suboxone to decide which medication best suits your needs. 

ChoicePoint offers a monthly Brixadi treatment program and an online Suboxone prescription program through licensed suboxone doctors in NJ. Call 844.445.2565 for personalized assistance.

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Highlights

• Brixadi is a long-acting injectable buprenorphine given weekly or monthly, while Suboxone is a daily sublingual film or tablet.
• Both Brixadi and Suboxone are FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder.
• Brixadi eliminates the need for daily medication, helping improve treatment retention rates and reduce misuse risk.
• Suboxone may be more widely covered by insurance and available at pharmacies, while Brixadi may require prior authorization.
• ChoicePoint’s licensed doctors can help you transition from Suboxone to Brixadi. 
• ChoicePoint offers both Brixadi and Suboxone treatment programs. Call 844.445.2565 for custom dosage plans.

Similarities and Differences Between Brixadi Vs. Suboxone: Deciding The Better Choice For You

Brixadi and Suboxone are both FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder. The similarities are summarized in the table below: ³

Differences Between Brixadi and Suboxone

The primary difference between Suboxone and Brixadi lies in their formulation. Brixadi is a monthly or weekly injection that must be administered by a licensed professional only, whereas Suboxone is a tablet or Buprenorphine/Naloxone sublingual film that is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. This tablet can be taken at home.

The difference is summarized below:

Brixadi Vs. Suboxone: Which is Better?

The best medication depends on your diagnosis, doctor’s recommendation, and your personal preference.

1. You may choose Brixadi if you don’t want to take daily tablets.
2. Brixadi may be a better option for you if you have Naloxone sensitivity
3. Suboxone may be a better choice as it can be prescribed online via online Suboxone doctors and can be taken at home.

5 Factors To Consider When Deciding Between Suboxone and Brixadi

If you are starting medication-assisted treatment or considering a switch between Suboxone and Brixadi, these factors may help you decide on the best treatment route.

1. Cost and Insurance Factors To Consider 

When choosing the best treatment, cost may be a deciding factor. Fortunately, both Brixadi and Suboxone are covered by insurance, thereby significantly reducing the cost of the treatment.

Since Brixadi is a newer medication, it may not be as widely covered as Suboxone and may require prior authorization. So, it is best to verify your insurance beforehand to know the exact coverage details.

2. Flexibility and Convenience 

For most people, Brixadi is more convenient as it saves people from the hassle of taking daily medications. On the other hand, Suboxone is self-administered and can be prescribed online. So, you may choose Suboxone if you have the discipline to take daily medication without missing a dose. Otherwise, Brixadi may be a good option if you think you cannot take the prescribed dosage regularly.

3. Risk of Abuse and Withdrawal 

Though Suboxone is not addictive, it carries a moderate risk of misuse in the early stages of treatment when taken home by the patient.  Additionally, if a dose is missed or treatment is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur quickly. In contrast, Brixadi is an extended-release injectable given by a healthcare provider, eliminating the possibility of take-home misuse. It delivers a steady amount of buprenorphine over a week or month and significantly reduces the risk of abrupt withdrawal.

3. Brixadi or Suboxone: Which is Safe During Pregnancy 

Suboxone is generally considered safer than Brixadi for use during pregnancy. Suboxone is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C, meaning that potential benefits may outweigh potential risks when used under medical supervision. ⁴

4. Ease of Availability

Suboxone is generally more accessible than Brixadi, as it can be prescribed through telehealth services and picked up at most retail or online pharmacies that fill Suboxone.  In contrast, Brixadi must be administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting, which may limit availability in rural or less-equipped areas.

Online Brixadi OR Suboxone Treatment

Can You Take Brixadi and Suboxone Together?

Although there is no direct interaction between Brixadi and Suboxone, taking these medications together is not recommended. Both medicines contain Buprenorphine as an active ingredient. Combining them both may result in Buprenorphine overdose, resulting in excessive sedation, extreme drowsiness, and respiratory depression. ⁵

Switching From Suboxone to Brixadi: User Experiences and How ChoicePoint Can Help

Some patients who begin opioid treatment with Suboxone later consider switching to Brixadi. This may be due to difficulties with daily medication schedules or privacy concerns. ChoicePoint can help you decide between the two treatments and facilitate a seamless transition.

How Does ChoicePoint Manage the Transition?

At ChoicePoint, providers follow a clinical protocol when helping patients move from Suboxone to Brixadi. This includes:

1. Reviewing current Suboxone dosage and treatment history
2. Identifying the right window for the first Brixadi injection.
3. Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms between medications.
4. Providing a custom Brixadi schedule and dosage.

Whether you decide to choose Suboxone or Brixadi, ChoicePoint licensed doctors are here to support your journey. Call 844.445.2565 to discuss your custom Suboxone or Brixadi treatment plan.

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Insurance Covered Brixadi and Suboxone Treatment Program in NJ at ChoicePoint

ChoicePoint offers personalized Brixadi injectables and Suboxone treatment programs in New Jersey to support long-term recovery from opioid addiction. Whether you prefer the convenience of a once-a-month Brixadi injection or the flexibility of daily Suboxone dosing, our licensed providers will guide you every step of the way. All treatments are FDA-approved and covered by insurance. Call 844.445.2565 to start your treatment today!

FAQs Brixadi Vs. Sublocade. Which Medication is Better?

1. Does Brixadi Have Naloxone In It?

No, Brixadi does not have Naloxone. Suboxone has Naloxone as an active ingredient, which prevents its misuse.

2. Does Brixadi Work Like Suboxone?

No, Brixadi is a slow-release injectable formulation. Whereas, Suboxone is a fast-acting daily tablet. While the formulation is different, both work to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms by acting to block the effects of opioids.

3. Which is Better, Sublocade or Brixadi?

Both Sublocade and Brixadi are extended-release buprenorphine injections used to treat opioid use disorder. The better option depends on individual needs, dosing flexibility, and treatment goals.

4. What Does Brixadi Feel Like?

Brixadi is generally well-tolerated. A user reports, “ I was nervous switching from Suboxone, but honestly, I didn’t feel much difference after the shot. The injection stung for a few seconds, then I forgot about it. My cravings are gone, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting my meds.”

5. What is the Equivalent of Brixadi Dosing?

The equivalents are adjusted by your doctor under medical supervision. You are welcome to consult our doctors at 844.445.2565 for dose adjustments and equivalents.

References 

1. FDA. (2023). Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injection, for subcutaneous use—Labeling information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
   https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211714s003lbl.pdf
2. Indivior Inc. (2021). Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film—Prescribing information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/022410s037lbl.pdf
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Clinical guidance for treating pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder and their infants. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-02-01-006_508.pdf
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Buprenorphine drug facts.
   https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/buprenorphine